The proposal could make it even harder for short-staffed agencies to attract and hire new employees.
Additional security vetting for prospective public transit employees proposed by the Transportation Security Agency is intended to improve security in sensitive positions, reports Molly Weisner in Federal Times.
“TSA said this program will mimic others that have put employees through similar vetting procedures over the years, like screenings given to maritime employees and longshoremen. It also said that today it can take advantage of technology and capabilities for vetting that have matured since the early 2000s, with new electronic processes that are faster and more accurate.”
However, “some municipal transportation authorities said they’re concerned about this program deterring much-needed job applicants with just more hoops to jump through and created added financial constraints.” The program would also charge applicants for the cost of the additional checks.
“Another aspect of the proposed change would include continuous monitoring of an employee’s file by running the collected data against watchlists each time they are updated,” Weisner adds.
FULL STORY: TSA proposes additional background checks of US public transit workers
1,500 Temporary Layoffs for Transit Workers in Vancouver
Sad days for public transit agencies in Canadian cities could be a sign of layoffs to come for U.S. transit agencies.
How HR Shortcomings are Kneecapping Transit Agencies
Facing severe staffing shortages and high rates of burnout, transit agencies must improve their human resources departments and create healthier work environments to address current lapses in service.
California Could Cut Transit Spending Even as Systems Struggle
Governor Newsom’s proposed budget would cut over $2 billion from transit infrastructure funds.
Plan to Potentially Remove Downtown Milwaukee’s Interstate Faces Public Scrutiny
The public is weighing in on a suite of options for repairing, replacing, or removing Interstate 794 in downtown Milwaukee.
‘Forward Together’ Bus System Redesign Rolling Out in Portland
Portland is redesigning its bus system to respond to the changing patterns of the post-pandemic world—with twin goals of increasing ridership and improving equity.
Can New York City Go Green Without Renewable Rikers?
New York City’s bold proposal to close the jail on Rikers Island and replace it with green infrastructure is in jeopardy. Will this compromise the city’s ambitious climate goals?
700-Acre Master-Planned Community Planned in Utah
A massive development plan is taking shape for lakefront property in Vineyard, Utah—on the site of a former U.S. Steel Geneva Works facility.
More Cities Ponder the End of Drive-Thrus
Drive-thru fast food restaurants might be a staple of American life, but several U.S. cities are actively considering prohibiting the development of new drive-thrus for the benefit of traffic safety, air quality, and congestion.
Air Pollution World’s Worst Public Health Threat, Report Says
Air pollution is more likely to take years life off the lifespan of the average human than any other external factor, according to a recent report out of the University of Chicago.
Placer County
City of Morganton
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Dongguan Binhaiwan Bay Area Management Committee
City of Waukesha, WI
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Indiana Borough
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
